One of the most important things an individual or family can do is to prepare 72 hour kits for the home, the car, the office, their pet(s) and for first aid. These kits will be useful in the event of an emergency whether you have to shelter in place or evacuate. Start with a container or bag and add the things you already own and then purchase missing items when you can. Some people find it easier to purchase a kit.
Middlesex-London Health Unit Community Partners In Response
When disaster strikes our part includes:
air quality
community emergency response volunteers (CERV)
disease outbreak management
emergency health communications
extreme weather response
family preparedness
food safety
hazardous materials
home safety
immunization
monitoring of water quality
72 Hour Home Disaster Kit
Portable phone charger
Face masks
Flashlights with spare batteries or crank flashlight
Radios with spare batteries or crank radio
Emergency candles and waterproof matches (do not use if there is a possibility of a gas leak)
Well supplied first aid kit
All-purpose pocketknife and basic tools
Three-day supply of bottled water (suggested: 4 litres per person/per day)
Purification tablets
Three-day supply of non-perishable food (per person)
Manual can opener
Disposable plates, cutlery, cups
One change of clothing for each person
Special items for infants, elderly and disabled
Extra keys for the car or building
Emergency Kit Brochure
View, download and print the Emergency Kit Brochure (PDF 25-KB), which includes home, office, car, pet and first aid emergency kit information.
Some cash (automatic banking machines may not be working)
Personal medication and prescriptions for medication/eyeglasses
Whistle
Toothbrush and toothpaste (per person)
Shampoo and hairbrush
Sanitary napkins.
Towel and facecloth (per person)
Blankets for each person
Photocopies of personal documents – including insurance policies
Recent photos of each person
Activity items such as books and playing cards
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
72 Hour Pet Emergency Kit
The pet’s normal food (and a can opener, if necessary)
Plenty of water
Medications including flea shampoo and collars
Litter box and litter
Plastic “pick up” bags
Any unique needs
Leash and collar with ID tags
Immunization record
First aid kit
Food and water bowls
Blankets and towels
Toys
Veterinarian’s name, address and phone number
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Car Emergency Kit
Ice scraper/brush
Shovel/axe/hatchet
Booster cables
Tow chain
Sand/salt
Fuel line antifreeze
Tire pump/inflator
First aid kit
A crank-style flashlight or a flashlight (with extra batteries)
Roadmaps/compass
Emergency HELP sign for dashboard
Roll of paper towels
Warning flashing lights/flares
Loud whistle
Extra clothing or footwear (winter, rain, boots)
Energy bars/bottled water
Fire extinguisher
Candles in a deep dish/can and matches (to keep warm)
Survival blankets
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Portable phone charger
Face masks
Office Emergency Kit
Learn and practice Emergency Plans.
Know at least two exits from each room (if possible).
Be able to escape in the dark by knowing, for instance, how many desks or cubicles are between your workstation and two of the nearest exits.
Know the post evacuation meeting location.
Know the location of the fire extinguishers and how to use them.
Keep a copy of your co-workers phone numbers at home.
Make a list of important personal numbers. Keep a printed list at your desk or near other phones. Do not rely on electronic lists, direct dial phone numbers or computer organizers that may not work in an emergency.
Report safety system damage or malfunctions.
Never lock or block fire exits or doorways.
Never use elevators in any time of an emergency to exit the building.
Make specific plans to help each other. Determine how you will help each other in the event that public transportation is shut down or throughways are impassable. Offer to temporarily house, transport or feed coworkers in case of emergency.
Gather personal emergency supplies in a desk drawer: include a flashlight, walking shoes, dust mask, whistle and water bottle and a red cloth to wave out a window to alert authorities.
Consider having ear and eye protection, a hard hat, a sledgehammer, pry bar and a chain ladder nearby if necessary.
